Alzheimer’s and
Memory Loss

Do Caregivers Deserve Overtime? We Think So.

From our Care Blog

Many people, including the elderly, caregivers and home care agencies, are wondering how the Dept. of Labor’s proposed changes to the companionship and live-in worker regulations will affect the in-home care industry. In 1974, these regulations originally created a limited exemption from both minimum wage and overtime pay requirements to domestic service workers (i.e. casual babysitters, home companions, maids/home help). Although the regulations have gone unchanged, the in-home care industry has changed dramatically and grown substantially. Yet, the earnings of in-home care employees remain among the lowest in the service industry—the caregivers that are now employed by in-home care agencies...

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Disaster Preparedness For Older Adults

From our Care Blog

As nature is hitting us with all forces across the nation; hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods, a key resource for eldercare is an emergency supply kit. Each older adult’s needs and abilities are unique, but every older adult can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place, even when residing in retirement community. Start by evaluating personal needs when making an emergency plan. A commitment to planning today will help prepare the older adult for any emergency situation. Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs. • Plan to make it on...

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Cancer Myths Can Be Risky Assumptions

From our Care Blog

Another great post by guest blogger Joni Aldrich. This month, Joni addresses common myths associated with cancer. A myth is “an unfounded or false notion.” Although not usually considered dangerous, in the wrong context—such as associated with a cancer diagnosis—myths may lead to serious concerns. All cancers are created equal. With over 100 different types of cancer, don’t believe they are all created equal. Your own body chemistry, stage at the time of diagnosis, and overall health require special consideration in an effective treatment regimen. In The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer, we discuss the four cancer...

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How To Hire A Caregiver That Actually Cares

From our Care Blog

As awareness of elder abuse increases, the difficulties of finding and hiring a trustworthy caregiver are brought to light. Many adult children have learned the hard way, as told in a recent LA Times article. The search for the right caregiver is made even more challenging in states like California where caregiver background checks and screenings are not required. Here are a few of the most important things to consider when hiring a caregiver for an elderly loved one: • Decide exactly what you need and write it down. Create a job description that encompasses everything that is important to...

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Building a winning team against cancer

From our Care Blog

Today, we welcome our first guest post from caregiving expert, author and speaker, Joni Aldrich. Here is Joni's advice on how to build a winning team against cancer: The reality is that 4,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States. To put that in perspective, that’s the population of my hometown in North Carolina. When these patients and their families hear the words “you have cancer”, they feel exactly the way my husband, Gordon, and I did seven years ago. We didn’t know what to do. The Saving of Gordon: Lifelines to W-I-N Against Cancer contains...

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FirstLight Home Care welcomes guest blogger Joni Aldrich

From our Care Blog

FirstLight Home Care is proud to welcome guest blogger Joni Aldrich to the family! Joni will share her insight and expertise on caregiving with a blog post on the 15th of each month. Understanding first-hand the challenges, anguish, and even rewards that are associated with caring for loved ones, Joni will offer advice and suggestions and share her own trials and tribulations. It was her extensive care for her late husband, mother, and now her boyfriend that inspired Joni to share her knowledge and support with fellow caregivers as well as current cancer fighters. With her, you will always have...

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Secrets Of Maintaining A Healthy Relationship

From our Care Blog

Recently, the media has been having a field day covering the downfall of successful couples. Even breaking news stations such as CNN are covering the scandals of a certain California governor. With the negative attitudes surrounding marriage everywhere, it is refreshing to see inspirational print about couples. Here are some tips, courtesy of AARP.com, for maintaining a successful relationship: Find new activities to do together Doing the same activities as a couple quickly turns into a dull routine that leaves little excitement for either partner. Switching up these bonding activities makes couples feel younger and more in sync. Fun activities...

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Relocating An Elder Parent

From our Care Blog

Recently, my parents, who are in their late 70’s, decided to relocate from California to Ohio in order to be closer to other family members, including me. After my dad broke his hip and my mom suffered a fall, they knew it was in their best interests to be near family who could provide future care, if need be. Surprisingly, my parents approached me about the issue—in many instances, adult children are the ones initiating this conversation and the elder may be reluctant or apprehensive to relocate. Going in, I had no idea of the details that had to be...

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Easter Holiday Offers Chance To Connect With Elderly Loved Ones

From our Care Blog

Another holiday has arrived and for many people, holidays equal family, food and fun. This can be especially exciting for seniors who don’t have the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with friends and loved ones. Regardless of the religious beliefs of the seniors involved, Easter is a good opportunity to welcome the spring season and engage in Easter-related activities. If you’re planning a get-together this weekend, here are a few fun activities that will surely put a smile on your senior’s face. Prep time If you’re hosting the shindig, invite your elderly family members or friends over...

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I'm the pastrami

From our Care Blog

This week has been more challenging than most.  My 35-year-old daughter, Angie, has been having back problems and had to go for an outpatient surgery procedure in an attempt to reduce the numbness, tingling and sharp pain she has been experiencing.  Her and my son-in-law, Bob, needed to leave around 5:30 am for the surgery center so I took what was supposed to be a “mental health” day to get my 3 grandchildren off to school.  Honestly, getting the 5 and 7 year olds up, fed, dressed and on the school bus was not difficult.  The only near miss we...

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